What must a counselor do regarding discrimination in their counseling practice?

In counseling practice, it is crucial for a counselor to uphold ethical standards, which include actively avoiding and not condoning discrimination in any form. Discrimination can significantly impact a client's mental health and well-being, and it is the counselor's responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for all clients, irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. By not condoning or engaging in discriminatory practices, counselors affirm their commitment to equity and respect for diversity.

The role of a counselor includes promoting social justice and advocating for clients who may face discrimination. This approach involves understanding the systemic issues surrounding discrimination and working to eliminate biases, both personally and institutionally. Counselors are expected to be aware of their own biases and maintain a practice that respects the dignity and rights of each client.

In contrast, encouraging clients to ignore discrimination does not address the issue and may invalidate their experiences. Engaging in conversations about discrimination without an active stance against it can lead to a reduced impact, while providing background checks is unrelated to the ethical obligations regarding discrimination in counseling. Therefore, ensuring that practices are non-discriminatory is fundamental to a counselor's role.